94 



and Latin. Admitting that botanical names are composed of a 

 Babylonish dialect, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were noted for 

 their richness and the number of plants they contained, and why a 

 Babylonish dialect should be objected to for the naming Garden plants 

 is hard to conceive, if by its use plants can be accurately identified. 



The binominal system of nomenclature is a universal one, and a 

 plant named under it, is capable of being understood in civilized 

 countries anywhere under the canopy of heaven, no matter the nature 

 of the language spoken by its people. 



To those whose path of life compels acquaintance with accurate 

 plant nomenclature the demand for the use of popular or " familiar" 

 names is a cry — not new — but one which has to be met with an 

 unflinching front, for it is certain that definite and accurate names or 

 terms are in the main far better for daily use, than those which 

 simply convey a sentiment, or awaken a memory, without informing 

 the understanding of any definite character of the plant spoken of, or 

 without giving any clue to its history. 



What's in a name ? That which we call Rose 



By any other name would smell as sweet. 



Lovers of familiar names can certainly use them at their pleasure, 

 and no one would object, but it is not easy to see why Botanists 

 should be called upon to use names in which they do not believe ; and 

 which are indefinite and misleading, while they have at their com- 

 mand, names which are accurate, and universally applied. 



154.-THE CONSTITUENTS OF "PIPER OVATUM," Vahl. 



The full text of the paper written on the results of the examina- 

 tion made by Profs. Dunstan and Garnett on the above plant is here 

 given, as being of special interest to the Colony in which the plant 

 grows from which the new drug has been made. In article No. 106, 

 No. 2, Vol. 2, p. 35, the history of the plant is given at some length. 



By WYNDHAii R. Dunstan, M.A., F.R.S., and Henry Gaknett. 



This plant (Pij)er ovattim Vahl, or Otionia Vahlii) grows in the West 

 Indies, and is briefly described in Grisebach's "Flora of the West Indies," (p. 172.) 



It has been examined in this laboratory, at the suggestion of Mr. W. T. 

 Thistlton Dyer, F.R.S., the Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, who received 

 it from Mr. John H. Hart, F.L.S., the Superintendent of the Royal Botanic 

 Garden, at Trinidad, to whom we are indebted for a further supply of the 

 material. The plant somewhat resembles Jaborandi in appearance, and has 

 been employed in Trinidad as a remedy for snake bite, and as a cure for hydro- 

 phobia in animals. When chewed, it gives rise to a persistent tingling of the 

 tongue and lips, which is followed by a sensation of numbness, accompanied by 

 profuse salivation, in these respects recalling pellitory. Some irritation at the 



